How some are keeping manual driving alive
For generations of drivers, getting behind the wheel meant you had to be able to use a stick shift. Now, new data shows that manual-transmission cars have all but disappeared. But some are keeping the driving skill alive. CBS News' Bradley Blackburn goes on a ride.
At Ferrari Driving School in New York City, manual transmission cars are being utilized as classrooms for students. Eric O'Neil, for instance, was behind the wheel of a manual transmission car for the first time, with instructor Oso Casio guiding him through the experience. Casio emphasized that getting someone to drive a stick efficiently usually takes around four hours, enough for them to learn how to safely navigate without stalling the car.
Though the practice was once mandatory, the prevalence of automatic transmissions has rendered stick shifting a rarity on American roads. The last official data from the Environmental Protection Agency in 2025 reported that only 0.6% of new cars for sale in the US featured manual transmissions, a significant decline from the over 33% in 1980.
Despite this, there is a niche market for vehicles with manual transmissions, such as the Ford Mustang and the Toyota Tacoma pickup. Several schools, including Ferrari Driving School, still cater to those who wish to maintain the tradition, like O'Neil, who teaches about 30 to 40 students per month. While some who grew up with manual cars may still need to refine their skills, the benefits of learning to drive a manual transmission, such as potential cost savings and being prepared for any situation, remain compelling.
Written by urgent.news from CBS News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
